Giant Slayers: Pack Knocks off #1 Nova 71-68

NC State used every ounce of their talent to take down the #1 seed Villanova Wildcats. There were countless plays from everyone that saw action tonight that helped seal the deal. Cat Barber was excellent in controlling the pace and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to keep Villanova behind. NC State found the resiliency needed to withstand a hot hand by Darrun Hillard who poured in a game high 27 points. It seemed on a number of times that State would have a stress free last few minutes but Hillard was absolutely amazing in making deep three pointers that kept this game interesting, but State came away with the answer each and every time! Trevor Lacey was outstanding as he hit tough shot after tough shot in some of the biggest moments in the game. This game was a great example of why it is critical to have a player of his caliber that is capable of creating his own shot. Lacey ended the first half with a behind the back step back three at the buzzer to silence a run by the Wildcats. Then in the second half he hit a big time “and one” layup and a couple of tough mid-range jumpers that took the air out of the Wildcat’s sails!

All in all this is a great example of how a team that plays together can accomplish much more than a team full of individuals. I have said it all year long that this team is comprised of a great group of guys who compliment each other seamlessly. I want to point out just how special Dez Lee has been for this team, he has sacrificed a lot of minutes this season as Gottfried and his staff have chosen to give Caleb Martin more minutes which should benefit the program moving forward; however, Dez has not pouted one bit and he has stayed ready. Tonight his number was called again to be a spark and he was more than ready to contribute. He was all over the court defensively and took it to the hoop with power and converted a couple of big baskets for the Pack. Also not to be overshadowed Caleb Martin made the most of his limited minutes as he hit a big three pointer as he was fouled and finished the seldom seen four point play.

At the beginning of the season and even late in the season our big men have been seen as a weakness, but tonight they were terrific. Abu has gotten better and better as his role has expanded offensively. Tonight Abu worked his tail off and finished the evening with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Lennard Freeman showed off his versatility defensively as he was asked to guard on the perimeter as Villanova went with a four guard lineup and held his own. Freeman also had a double-double as he tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds. The hero of last game BeeJay Anya had a quiet night in the stat book but was a big time presence underneath as he altered many attempts. He also hedged beautifully on ball screens and contested shooters all night. It is a great testament to our staff for the improvement of our big men throughout the season.

I am completely ecstatic about the experience this team is about to have being in the sweet sixteen. My junior year I was lucky enough to make it to the sweet sixteen and it is an atmosphere like none other. Looking ahead I like our chances against Louisville or Northern Iowa. If we can continue to play with a quiet confidence and as one unit there is no reason why this team cannot continue to advance. Tonight was a great display of what it takes to win! Our players had one goal tonight and that was to leave that arena with a victory and they accomplished the task at hand!!!  NC State now finds itself as the headline as they are the darlings of the tournament…but will they be satisfied? I don’t think so, but we will have to wait and see.